Ambrosia

 

Welcoming the spooky season ahead with a warm weather appropriate dress from La Femme En Noir. When people think of fall it's always chunky sweaters, layering and crisp cool days but here it's basically summer until November. I appreciate that La Femme En Noir offers spooky inspired dresses that can be worn in all seasons. The Ambrosia is a new-to-me dress and I really love the dark cottagecore look it creates, even with minimal styling.

Dress- c/o La Femme En Noir

Shoes- Swedish Hasbeens

Bag- Unique Vintage

Bracelet and earrings- Forever 21

The Ambrosia dress is made from a thick, stiff but comfortable cotton sateen and features a Basque waist, lace up bodice that mimics a corset, adjustable straps, gathered skirt with hidden side pockets and a back zippered closure. The bodice also has boning throughout, so it really maintains that beautiful shape in the bodice. The straps have a button closure and you can adjust the length and wear them either criss crossed or straight.

Let's get into the fit. This one was tough! I am *always* a size small in La Femme En Noir and this dress fits much different. I am a busty person and heard this dress was very small in the bust. I ordered up to a medium and while it fits in the bust, I have a much harder issue with the fit everywhere else. The waist is quite roomy so I laced up the corset in the front as much as I could for that snatched feel. Unfortunately, I had the most problems with the straps. They're much too long to wear them straight so I crossed them in the back. The middle hole (there are three) seemed to be the most comfortable but the straps are still just a little too loose. If I button on the shortest hole the bodice is too high and creeping into my underarms. I know not everything is going to fit tailor made and while this works, I really wish my bust were smaller so I could enjoy my usual size. My suggestion is to stay with your normal size if your bust is on the smaller side.

If you want to hear me talk about this dress and offer a more detailed review, you can watch my TikTok video HERE!

xoxo

Ashley

xoxo

Ashley

Sabrina

 

Calling all witches: the cutest 60's inspired soft goth dress is here! Witchwood Bags has all kinds of spooky goodies, including a vast collection of dresses and separates. I quickly fell in love with this velvet Sabrina dress and wanted to build a witchy look around it. I kind of feel like a goth Samantha Stephens in Bewitched!

Dress- c/o Witchwood Bags

Shoes- Steve Madden

Hat- The Beheaded

The Sabrina dress is a velvet mini dress that features lace trim on the bodice and sleeves, heart shaped non functional buttons down the front, puff sleeves with buttoned cuffs, a-line skirt and a back zippered closure. This is my first Witchwood dress and I am wearing a size small. I usually wear a small in most clothing and this was a great fit! I can see myself styling this dress in a multitude of ways (I'm already thinking of a cute 60's style updo for next time) and I can't wait to bring it with me into the cooler months.

I just want to say that spooky season is here and I am so happy. I've got my pumpkin spice creamer in the fridge, Reese's pumpkins in the pantry and new spooky decor I've managed to snag from Home Goods. I'm living my best life right now because it's truly the most wonderful time of the year! I'm excited for you to see what outfits I have planned here and recipes/video content I have planned on my Instagram and TikTok. Hope you'll be following along there too!

xoxo

Ashley

Widowbloom

 

When Lively Ghosts makes an entire collection based on goth cottagecore vibes you (aka I) immediately add all the things to cart! My favorite piece from this new collection is the Widowbloom dress. It's got gothic tones, western vibes and a little bit of cottagecore whimsy. Basically, it's my new favorite thing and I never want to take it off. 

Dress- Lively Ghosts (use code SCB10 for a discount)

Shoes- Steve Madden

Hat- old (similar)

Bag- c/o La Femme En Noir

The Widowbloom dress has a stretchy bodice with lace detailing on the collar and the sleeves. It also features faux buttons down the front as well. This makes me so happy because real buttons do not work with my bust! The layered chiffon skirt has tiered lace detailing and hidden side pockets. It's finished with a long zippered closure in the back. I'm wearing my usual size small in this dress and it's a nice, comfortable fit. I had to add some of my favorite western/witchy accessories to play up the style of the dress and I think it works really well.

You can shop this dress in sizes XS-5X and the rest of the Cottagecore Collection right now! Use code SCB10 to get a discount whenever you shop with Lively Ghosts!

xoxo

Ashley

Jawbreaker

 

I enjoy taking dresses that would normally be considered more formal and styling them for something casual. This incredible Vixen by Micheline Pitt Jawbreaker dress was supposed to be the star of an outfit for a red carpet event that I unfortunately did not attend. It was much too pretty to retire it to the back of my closet so I decided to build a summery ensemble around it. With the blazing heat we're experiencing these days, this outfit kept me cute and cool.

Dress- c/o Vixen by Micheline Pitt

Shoes- Swedish Hasbeens

Hat- c/o Vixen by Micheline Pitt

Bag- c/o Harvey's

Bracelet- c/o Forever 21

This version of the Jawbreaker swing dress is made in a beautiful red, shimmery fabric. It's stretchy but stiff so it holds its shape really nicely. Since I was thinking about comfort, I did not wear a petticoat of any kind and it maintains such a lovely silhouette. The pleated bust and lining provide an incredible amount of support. You can seriously forego a bra and be completely comfortable! I'm wearing my usual size small and it is the perfect fit.

I think adding this red sunhat really pulled this outfit into a more casual/summery place. If you know me, I hate being in the sun so I love any opportunity to wear a big hat! I finished the outfit with one of my favorite Harvey's bags. This Lolita bag is also red and shimmery... Can you think of a better match?

I know it's only July but Halloween is peeking its way into my mind (it never really left). I managed to grab a bunch of cute tableware at Home Goods last weekend and found Reese's pumpkins at the supermarket! Maybe some of y'all aren't ready but my favorite stores and I are!

xoxo

Ashley

Summerween Plaid

 

Well... I think this is the longest hiatus I've taken on this blog. It was something that was on my mind for months but just couldn't find time for. Thankfully, work projects have finished and Bianca is currently on summer break so I've had time to document my outfits! This Ebone and Ivory dress has been in my closet for some time but I don't think I've ever actually worn it out. It was made specifically for me and this summerween plaid is everything I need to get my mind off this heat and onto my plans for spooky season.

Dress- Ebone and Ivory

Shoes- Lotta From Stockholm

Hat- old (similar)

Bag- La Femme En Noir

I picked this plaid fabric from Joann's (RIP) so Ebony could make me a western inspired summerween dress. Because our summers last so long, a dress like this can be worn well into October with ease. I love the statement neckline, lace detail and huge side pockets. It pairs perfectly with my cauldron bag and works well with a summery boater hat. I'll definitely switch over to a witch hat once we get into spooky season! Unfortunately, Ebone is not taking commissions at the moment but I will continue to love and wear her creations from the past.

Here's to hoping I don't have another unexpected blogging break! I really enjoy the creativity this place inspires and I can't wait to show you more of my spooky summer wardrobe in the near future.

xoxo

Ashley